The 34-year-old says the striker’s efforts were key to the success of the Real Madrid star during his time at Manchester United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Cristiano Ronaldo took the credit for Wayne Rooney’s unselfish work during their time together at Manchester United.

The pair helped fire United to Champions League glory in 2008, with Ronaldo winning the Ballon d’Or the following January for his efforts the previous season.

However, Ibrahimovic feels Ronaldo would not have been able to shine if it wasn’t for Rooney’s hard work.

“These great players, they have their moments over one to three years. But to continue over five years, for 10 years the way Wayne Rooney has done is not easy. It’s pressure everyday playing for a big team,” Ibrahimovic told the BBC.

“He runs a lot, he fights a lot, he sacrifices a lot,.

“When he played with Cristiano Ronaldo all the work was done by Rooney, but he didn’t get the credit because Ronaldo was scoring all of the goals.

“I’d prefer to have him in my team than play against him. I’ve not been lucky enough to play with him but I enjoy seeing him on the pitch – if I cannot play with him, I will watch him.”